Primary renal lymphoma is a controversial entity. Only 29 cases have b
een reported since 1980. Diagnostic criteria are not well established.
We report here 3 new cases and review the literature. Primary renal l
ymphoma was considered on the basis of uni- or bilateral nonobstructiv
e nephromegaly with or without renal failure. In all cases, the diagno
sis was made after renal biopsy. Extrarenal abdominal involvement was
excluded by imaging techniques. The role of staging laparotomy remains
controversial. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice, but the progn
osis is poor. We propose a clinical definition of primary renal lympho
ma in order to achieve a better management of the disease.